Can hillstream loaches live with convict cichlids?

Verdict
No

No. Hillstream loaches and convict cichlids should not share a tank. Convict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful hillstream loaches.

Hillstream loachHillstream loach68–75°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Convict cichlidConvict cichlid74–82°F · pH 6.6–7.8

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 74–75°Hillstream loach 68–75°Convict cichlid 74–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.6–7.5Hillstream loach 6.5–7.5Convict cichlid 6.6–7.8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Hillstream loach · 2.5 inConvict cichlid · 5 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

Hillstream loachConvict cichlid
Temperature68–75 °F74–82 °F
pH6.5–7.56.6–7.8
Adult size2.5 in5.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulAggressive
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupGroups of 3+Alone or in pairs
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for hillstream loaches

All hillstream loach tank mates

Better tank mates for convict cichlids

All convict cichlid tank mates

Questions

Can hillstream loaches live with convict cichlids?

No. Hillstream loaches and convict cichlids should not share a tank. Convict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful hillstream loaches.

What temperature suits both hillstream loaches and convict cichlids?

74–75 °F. Hillstream loaches need 68–75 °F, convict cichlids need 74–82 °F.

What size tank do hillstream loaches and convict cichlids need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the convict cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.